Finale 6

The spotlight is blinding me, hence, I impulsively shield my palm against the light. I stand up and apologize.

"My apologies, ladies, and gentlemen. I was just carried away by an unexpected turn of events. I'm sorry." I smirk when I notice the mother of the woman beside Jay scoffs.

My brothers look at me intently, pretty smelling something fishy from my reaction.

"Well, this is a night of celebration as my son, Jay Harrison decides to settle down with his girlfriend, Clarisse. So... let's just enjoy the rest of the night!" Rob announces, cutting the awkward atmosphere.

"I really hate her!" I growl as I stare at Clarisse's mother, trying so hard to look regal in her pompous dress. Her brow raises every time she looks around.

When she arrived an hour ago, her first comment was, "We could have rented a bigger reception!" She looks around the living room like a detective. Her husband immediately apologized for his wife's inconsiderate comment.

"With only thirty guests, we can even use my nephew's room as a reception!" I replied, smiling from ear to ear. Then, I left them to keep myself from losing my composure.

It still keeps my blood boil every time I remember it.

"Who? The mother?" Chealsy's question brings me back to the present. I nod.

"What's her name again?" Stephanie says.

"Patricia Lewis and her husband is Mark Lewis," I reply. "I can feel the negative aura she exudes, but I can't do anything for Jay's sake."

Even from afar, I can sense my brother Rob's uneasiness. It's apparent to me that we have the same feeling towards the pretentious mother. Our eyes meet and exchange a tacit agreement.

"I have to stop this fucking engagement!" I grumble. The ladies look at me in confusion, so I have to explain it to them. I press my temple to think of a plausible solution. Then, I remember Sophia, sitting next to me.

"What are you thinking?" she asks nervously. The ladies and I look at each other and smile.

"What the fuck are you thinking?!" she asks again.

"Let's talk inside," I whisper. We sneak out. We giggle as we reach the living room.

"Ladies, fix her hair and makeup as I take care of the dress."

I immediately call Boris to buy the exact replica of Clarisse's emerald dress.

"I already sent Belle the photo. Go to her shop, her staff will be waiting for you!" I command.

"What's going on, professor Khaeli?" he asks.

"Boris! Please... do it now, ask later!" I answer.

"Of course. I am already at her boutique. See you there!" he says. I end the call. After ten minutes, I can hear his footsteps hurriedly approaching. I smile.

He comes in panting. His forehead soaked in sweat. He grasps air as he hands me the dress. I smile at him.

"W-why do I have to~"

"Hi, Boris!" the ladies greet, surprising him. Clearly, he didn't notice them earlier because of the ornamental plant between them.

"Is that? Is she~?" he asks, blinking his eyes many times to check whether he's hallucinating or not.

We laugh at his petrified reaction when Sophia stands up and walks like a ghost even twitching her body. Boris covers his mouth and screams in fear.

"Khaeli... save me!" he screams, hiding behind me.

"She's torturing you because of the nasty things you said about her!" I whisper to him, fueling his fright. Then, he makes a cross using his forefingers and apologizes to her.

"Boris... hold her!"

"No!" he yells, still hiding behind me.

"Boris! She's not dead! But... I will kill you when you won't hold her hand!" I warn. He knows that I am not joking, so with his eyes shut, he touches her hand.

"It's warm. She's alive!" he says with relief. The ladies giggle as I grin.

"You're wicked as always!" he grunts before storming off. We chuckle.

"Try this on!" I say, giving Sophia the emerald dress. She goes to the bathroom to change.

We're all struck in awe as she saunters towards us. The dress has a perfect fit.

"Hey... damn! You look hot!"

"Oooh lala!"

The ladies gush as they go around her.

"It would be hotter if we cut this out!" I say wickedly as I cut the sleeves, revealing her tattoo. She impulsively covers them.

"It looks hot!" Primrose comment.

"Damn, right!" Camille agrees.

"Every scar has a story, so you should be proud to overcome all the pain," Letizia says.

"Not everyone can manage! I... we are so proud of you!" Chealsy adds. The others agree. I smile at how their relationship becomes stronger. How they become more accepting.

"And for the final touch..." Stephanie sprays Sophia a fruity perfume.

We sneak back to our table. This time, we let Sophia walk through the main entrance. People murmur as she walks in. The lords are flustered by her unexpected presence. I watch Jay freeze, suspending a love shot with his girlfriend.

"Who dares interrupt this important party?" Patricia irritatedly asks while staring at my brother and his wife for answers.

"I am sorry. But, I think I entered the wrong place!" Sophia says in a sweet voice.

"Get her out of here!" Patricia commands with her nostrils enlarged in anger. Rob is about to speak when Jay stops him.

"I am sorry, mother. I will bring her out myself!" Jay says.

I hold my breath as I watch Jay Harrison walks to Sophia and grab her arms as they walk away. I stand up, but my brothers shake their heads.

"I hope she'll be alright!" Stephanie whispers as we drink.

Meanwhile, Jay drags her to the parking lot then harshly lets go of her arm. He stares at her with a straight face.

"What's your game this time? I told you before not to show your---"

"I know. I understand that! But... no matter how I try, I can't forget you," she says softly. Jay smirks.

"I am getting married. She is the perfect woman for me! So... please... if you come here to ask for my forgiveness, I already forgave you a long time ago. It's just hard for me to forget what you did. Please... don't ruin this happy night!"

Jay states before turning around and walking away from her.

"I loved you. I still do! Before I leave, please listen to me first and I won't ever bother you!"

He stops walking. Sophia takes the opportunity and goes in front of him. She meets his cold gaze. She swallows hard.

"At first, Anthony used the death of my mom against professor Khaeli. I resented her and planned to kill her, it's true. But... everything changed when I fell in love with you. I began loving and accepting her. And when Anthony knew it, he threatened me saying that he'd kill you...."

She takes a deep breath to keep her tears from falling.

"I- I didn't believe him. But... one night, I saw Carmen aiming her gun at you while you drink happily with your cousin at the veranda. I was horrified! Knowing that at any minute, they could end your life, I agreed to their plan... luring professor to the cliff."